UNCTAD has introduced the topic of the "creative economy" in the world economic and development agenda.

The creative economy is an emerging concept dealing with the interface between creativity, culture, economics and technology in a contemporary world dominated by images, sounds, texts and symbols.

Today, the creative industries are among the most dynamic sectors in the world economy providing new opportunities for developing countries to leapfrog into emerging high-growth areas of the world economy.

Creative Economy Network. Through the Creative Economy Network, UNCTAD has proactively facilitated the sharing of knowledge and best practices, forging strategic alliances and networking among governments, creators, the business community and the civil society.

UNCTAD has been liaising with academia, artists, creative professionals and civil society to build a network to promote international cooperation, strategic alliances, research exchanges and advocacy. Initially, the network will list a number of partner universities and research centers. Gradually, it will become an open collaborative web space, providing a platform for professors, researchers and students to share knowledge and information.

News

UNCTAD participated at the "Forum on Cultural Industries (Macao) 2015" from 17-20 May, under the theme of "region synergy and platform innovation" to discuss strategies for culture and technology innovation, international competitiveness of cultural industries, regional development and cultural creativity.

The report and its findings support the potential of Cabo Verde to capitalize on its rich cultural expressions (music, festivals, handicrafts, gastronomy, tourism and cultural events) to achieve real sustainable development.

​UNCTAD participated at the YEKON Creative Istanbul Ateliers, an intellectual platform that aims to bring together different sectors in the ecosystem of creative industries in Turkey. The event was held on 16-17 April and was supported by the Istanbul Development Agency.

Experts from developing countries and members of the Steering Committee on Tourism for Development discussed how the tourism sector links with the creative economy and can contribute to poverty reduction.

The African Creative Economy Meeting was organized by ARTERIAL Network with the support of the Western Cape Government, the City of Cape Town and the Cape Craft and Design Institute. It attracted around 400 delegates from over 40 countries in Africa and beyond.​

The Shanghai Design Week was organized by the Shanghai government with the purpose to promote the construction of "city of design" and support the innovation driven transformation and development of Shanghai.​